
Entertainment in Salisbury has become a hot topic since Everyman applied to occupy the old bingo hall, but did you know it used to be a cinema?
While 17 Endless Street looks derelict from the outside, it was occupied by Buzz Bingo (formerly Gala Bingo) up until 15 July 2020 when it was closed permanently, partly due to Covid.
However, before the rise of bingo and television, The Regal Cinema occupied the site. Opening on 22 February 1936, the cinema entertained Salisbury for almost 33 years.
The cinema was renamed to ABC in 1963 before it closed on 25 January 1969.
Read more: Once proud cinema in Salisbury facing uncertain future
Take a look inside
The once-proud bingo hall now looks abandoned and forgotten
Photographer Spencer Mulholland visited the building in 2018 and surprisingly found the old Regal Cinema seating left untouched.
The red velvet seating overlooks the bingo hall
Dust coats the seating's armrests
You may have visited the bingo hall but had no idea the upstairs seating existed, since the main hall is beneath.
The main bingo seating is under the hidden cinema
The upstairs seating dominates the hall space, yet it was left unused
The eccentric purple walls contrasted the bright yellow below. Some paint had been stripped from the walls but the velvet carpet remained mostly intact.
The view from the back
Rows of seating occupy the space upstairs
Gala Bingo in 2018
As you entered the venue, you were greeted by a purple interior decorated with bright white lights and bingo posters.
Gala Bingo's lobby in 2018
Do you remember visiting The Regal Cinema in Salisbury back in the 1950s? Share your memories with us by emailing newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk
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